Verified Skilled Worker sponsor

Ward Support Volunteer

The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust

Rotherham, S60 2UD £1 a year Voluntary Posted 4 September 2026 Apply by 3 December 2026

Home Office register entry: The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, Rotherham

Visa sponsorship

This role is listed by an employer that holds a live Home Office sponsor licence on the Skilled Worker route.

NHS roles fall under the Health and Care Worker route. Public reference figures for that route: the general salary minimum is £25,000 a year, and salaries set by national pay scales (NHS bands) at or above the relevant band rate typically meet the occupation's requirement. Individual eligibility depends on personal circumstances. These figures are public reference information, not advice or a verdict on this job.

Role description

Job summary

A Ward Support Volunteer is a non-clinical role designed to support patients and help create a warm, welcoming and positive experience on the ward. Volunteers will provide companionship and appropriate non-clinical support, helping patients feel comfortable, valued and supported while enabling nursing staff to focus on clinical care

Volunteers will support patients with refreshments and conversation and assist with non-clinical mealtime activities, helping to improve the overall patient experience during what can often be an anxious time

Volunteers will not provide clinical care, assist with personal care, administer or handle medication, undertake clinical observations or assessments, or undertake any activity requiring clinical judgement. Volunteers will work within the boundaries of their role and will refer any concerns about a patient's wellbeing to a member of the nursing team. Volunteers will receive local ward induction and day-to-day operational supervision from designated ward staff

Main duties of the job

Assist with the serving and distribution of meals and refreshments in accordance with ward procedures and staff guidance
Offer and encourage patients to have appropriate drinks, in accordance with staff guidance, and report any concerns about a patient's ability or willingness to drink to the nursing team
Support patients to have a comfortable mealtime experience and inform nursing staff if a patient requires assistance with personal care or hygiene
Spend time with patients, offering companionship, conversation and a friendly presence
Directing patients and visitors to appropriate staff or services where required
Assist with agreed non-clinical tidying and maintaining a welcoming environment, in accordance with ward procedures
Return designated non-clinical or approved ward equipment to the equipment library in accordance with Trust procedures and staff instructions. Volunteers will not clean, maintain, inspect or repair clinical equipment
Assist staff with agreed non-clinical ward stock activities, such as collecting, organising and replenishing approved supplies, under staff guidance. Volunteers will not handle medicines, clinical specimens or restricted clinical supplies

About us

Report any concerns about a patient's health, wellbeing or safety to a member of the nursing team and seek assistance if a patient appears unwell, distressed or requires support beyond the volunteer's role

Benefits:

The benefits of recruiting Ward Support Volunteers include:

Providing patients with a friendly face and meaningful social interaction at the start of the day.

Providing companionship, conversation and reassurance to help patients feel less isolated and more comfortable during their hospital stay.

Supporting a calm and welcoming environment within the ward.

Supporting staff with non-clinical activities, enabling nurses and healthcare support workers to concentrate on patient care and discharge planning.

Offering patients appropriate drinks in accordance with staff guidance and the patient's individual requirements. Volunteers must not make decisions about a patients diet, fluid restrictions or nutritional requirements.

Supporting a positive and welcoming mealtime experience and encouraging patients to access food and drinks where appropriate. Any concerns about a patient's eating or drinking should be reported to nursing staff.

Enhancing the Trust's commitment to excellent patient experience and compassionate care.

Certificates of Sponsorship

For individuals who may require sponsorship under the skilled worker or health & care visa route please use the link below to check your eligibility.GOV.UK www.gov.uk

This role is not eligible for sponsorship

Date posted

04 September 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£1 a year This is a voluntary role with no salary attached

Contract

Voluntary

Duration

7 days

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9165-26-09-000

Job locations

The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust

Moorgate Road

Rotherham

South Yorkshire

S60 2UD

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

There is no job description attached to this role. For further information please contact Lindsay Nicholson.

Please note:

Duties may vary between wards and care groups according to local requirements. Volunteers will only undertake activities that are appropriate to the Ward Support Volunteer role, have been agreed locally, and for which they have received appropriate instruction and/or training. Local ward staff will provide day-to-day operational supervision, guidance and support to the volunteer. Volunteers should speak to the supervising member of staff if they are unsure whether a task falls within their role or if they have any concerns about a patient.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Friendly, approachable and compassionate nature.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries.
Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Ability to recognise when a patient requires staff support and escalate concerns appropriately.
Excellent communication and listening skills.
Enjoys meeting and talking to people from all backgrounds.
Reliable and dependable.
Able to work cooperatively with ward staff and other members of the wider healthcare team.
Organised and able to follow instructions.
Respectful of confidentiality.
Passionate about improving patients' hospital experience.
Comfortable working in a busy healthcare environment.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.